Hat-case



W. J. BRUCE AND F. M. WORTHINGTON.

HAT CASE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 16. 1919.

Patented Aug. 23, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

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Patented Aug. 23, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM J. BRUCE AND FANNIE M. WORTHINGTON, OF STERLTNG, IIiLTNOIS.

HAT-CASE.

Patented Aug. 23, 1921.

Application filed .Tune 16, 1919. Serial No. 304,691.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, WILLIAM J. BRUCE, a subject of the King of Great Britain, and FANNIE M. ORTHING'roN, a citizen of the United States, both'residing at Sterling, in the county of lVhiteside and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Hat-Cases, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention pertains to hat cases, and has for its purpose to provide a receptacle, more especially for a ladys hat, in which it will be free from injury, and protected from dust and smoke. It is particularly suited for use in connection with a wardrobe trunk, or other trunk of suitable size, and is also capable of being carried in a suit-case or bag, in a collapsed condition. It is simple in construction, andpossesses little weight.

The particular construction, arrangement and operation of the parts of our device, in its preferred embodiment, will more fully appear from the following spec fication, reference being had to the drawlngs accompanying the same, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of our invent on, with the same in open position. Fig. 21s a side or edge view thereof. Fig. 3 is a s1milar view of the device in a folded position. Fig. 4.- shows one of the pins 4, in detail.

1 represents a main frame, preferably of rectangular shape, to the lower bar of which, as at a, is hingedly connected an auxlliary frame 2, similar in construction to the frame 1, and adapted to fold upwardly into the space within the same. The frame 1 is pro vided with a pair of cross-bars 3, between which and the frame 2 the rim of a hat may be held, as indicated in broken lines at Each of said bars has secured thereto a pa r of pins 4;, by means of hinges 5, whereby sald pins are permitted to fold downwardly against the bars 3. When in an extended position, at right angles to the bars, said pins project into the crown of the hat, as indicated at 0, and hold the hat from movement in the case. In case the frame 1s 1nverted, or turned sidewise, the hat Wlll always be supported by the pair of pins w h1ch is uppermost. To prevent accidental folding of the pins catches 6 are provided, fixed to the bars 3 and adapted to engage notches 7 in the pins. The hinges 5 are on the outer sides of the pins 4:, so that the tendency of so that all of the rior of the receptacle will be free from the crown of the hat, when in position in the case, is to hold the pins in an extended position.

The frame 1 is provided, in rear of the bars 3, with a closure 8 preferably formed of alight and durable fabric, which will exclude the dust and other substances by means of which hats become soiled. The frame2 is also provided with a fabric closure 9, but in a baggy form, so as to accommodate the crown of the hat and any adornments that may be secured thereon. When the receptacle contains a hat the closure 9 willbe distended to a greater or less extent, but when it is empty the frame 2 and 010- sure 9 can'be collapsed within the frame 1, parts will occupy a s ace little thicker than that of the frame. hen the parts of the case are closed with a hat in place therein it will be obvious that the inte dust and dirt, and the hat given perfect protection therein. 7

10 represents a fragmental section of one of the walls of a trunk, to which are secured turn-buttons 11, so as to engage opposite edges of the frame 1, and hold the same rigidly in place. The edges of the frame may be provided with depressions 12, to receive the ends of the buttons 11, so that said buttons will not project beyond the outer face of the frame. Such frame can also be provided at top and bottom with hooks 13, whereby the case, with a hat contained therein, may be supported in a closet, on a pin or rack in a railway coach, or elsewhere. B giving the case a quarter-turn, so that the hooks will be at the sides, such hooks can be supported on a pair of pins in a trunk, instead of making use of the buttons 11.

When traveling on a train with a suit-case or bag, the hat case can be carried therein, and, upon the owner entering the train, can

be removed, the owners hat removed from her head, placed in the case, and suspended from the rack or other convenient article of furniture. It is customary at the present time, especially in a sleeping car, to place the hat in a paper bag, and place the same in the rack or under a seat, which is not a satisfactory method, as there is danger of the hat being injured.

In many cases the size of the hat to be contained in the case would be such as to require a larger case than could be conveniently carried in a suitcase, and for the larger sizes thereof the frame 1 is formed of two parts, united by hinges 1 1, so that the two parts can be folded, as shown in Fig. 3. The frame 2 is also formed of two parts, united by hinges 15, which hinges are'in alinement with the hinges 14 when the frame 2 is contained in the frame 1, so that the parts of both frames can be folded into approximately the same space. The parts of the frame 1 are prevented from accidental folding by means of catches 16, pivoted to one of said parts, as at d, and engaging pins 17 on the other part of the frame. WVhen the parts of the frame are folded the catches are turned around against the part of the frame to which they are pivoted. The two sections of the frame 2 are provided with similar catches, indicated in broken lines in Fig. 1. When the case is folded, as shown in Fig. 3, it will readily enter a suit-case or bag, or can be carried in a pocket on the side of a traveling-bag.

If desired, the upper part of the frame 1 can be provided with a turn-button, as at 18, to hold the frame 2 from accidental release when folded into the main frame. I

Our device is referably formed of fiat pieces of some light kind of wood, but other materials may be substituted therefor, and changes can be made in the form and arrangement of the parts thereof without departing materially from the scope of the invention.

What we claim and desire to secure, is:

1. A hat receptacle, comprising a main frame, provided with hat supporting means; a fabric closure for the back thereof; an auxiliary frame adapted to fold into said first-named frame, so as to engage the brim of a hat therein; and a distensible fabric cloformed of two parts sure for said auxiliary frame, oppositely disposed to said first-named closure.

2. A hat case, comprising a main frame, provided with a suitable closure at the back thereof; pins foldably supported in said frame, adapted for the support of the crown of a hat; an auxiliary frame hinged to said main frame and capable of being folded into the same; a distensible closure for said auxiliary frame; and means for supporting said main frame from a suitable object.

3. A device of the class described, comprising a main frame, adapted to be supported against the wall of a trunk, and provided with a suitable closure at its back; and

an auxiliary frame, hinged to said main frame, so as to be folded into the same, and provided with a distensible closure on the outer face thereof.

4. A device of the class described, comf prisin a main frame formed of two parts foldab y united, and provided with a flexible closure at its back; and an auxiliary frame folclably united, said last-named frame being capable of folding into said first-named frame, and foldable therewith, and provided with a flexible distensible closure on its outer face.

5. A device of the class described, comprising a main frame provided with bars for en agement with the rim of abTy mounted on said bars, port the crown of a hat; a suitable closure for the back of said frame; an auxiliary frame adapted to be closed into said main frame to assist in holding said rim in place; and a distensible closure for said last-named frame.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures.

a hat; pins fold- WILLIAM J. BRUCE. FANNIE M. WORTHINGTON.

adapted to sup- 

